Definition

1. Noun:

   • A suggestive or sneering look or grin: A facial expression, often involving a sidelong glance, that conveys sly, malicious, or lustful intent. It typically shows contempt, scorn, or improper sexual interest.
   • A facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls: A specific sneer where the upper lip is raised, revealing contempt or derision.

2. Verb:

   • To look suggestively or obliquely: To look at someone with a sly, immodest, or malign expression, often implying improper desire or mockery.
   • To look or gaze with a sly, immodest, or malign expression: To stare in an unpleasant way that is sexually suggestive or shows scorn.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • He gave her a creepy leer from across the bar.
  • The villain's face was fixed in a permanent leer of contempt.

• Verb:

  • The group of men leered at the women walking by.
  • The bully leered at his classmate, making him feel uncomfortable.

Advanced Usage

• "to leer at someone": This is the most common construction, indicating the target of the unpleasant look.
  • It's rude and threatening to leer at strangers on the street.

Variants and Related Words

• Leeringly (adverb): In a leering manner.
  • He smiled leeringly, which made her skin crawl.

Synonyms

• Noun: Sneer, smirk, ogle, lascivious look.
• Verb: Ogle, eye (in a suggestive way), smirk (at), sneer (at).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is contained in the simple verb form "to leer.")

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the word "leer" as a key component.)

Noun

1. a suggestive or sneering look or grin
2. a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls

Verb

1. look suggestively or obliquely; look or gaze with a sly, immodest, or malign expression
   • The men leered at the young women on the beach